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Mill Run F3- 1955 



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BlirniDAY OF WASHINGTON, 



A Ml <»l-" THI'; 



VICTORIES OF THE UNION ARMS : 



r.V Till: 11(11 SK OF ASSKMIil.V 01- TIIK l.XXXfXTII LEG ISLATrUIO 

<»F XFw .n:l;^<l•:y. i'i-;i;iirAi;v 'I'M. l<S(i-j. 



PRINTED BY ORDER OJP THE HOUSE "F ASSEMBLY. 



Til EN TON, N. J. : 

PlHNTi:i» HY .). If. FHKERE. -'STATE (GAZETTE''' OFFICE, 
1805. 



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tluiffljiiuitoirB 'iVirtjjiini]. 



CELEBE^TIOjSr 



OF THE 



BIRTHDAY OF WASHINGTON 



AXD OF THE 



VICTOEIES OF THE UNION ARMS: 



HY THE HOUSE OF ASSEMHLY OF THE LXXXIXTH LEGISLATURE 
OF NEW JERSEY, FEIJilUAIiY 22d, 18C5. 

PRINTED BY OKDER OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. 



TRENTON, X. J. : 

PRINTED BY J. R. FREESE, ''STATE (;AZETTE" OFFICE, 
1S65. 






'^ 



House of Assembi.y, February 23, 1SG5. 

^[r. Bodixe offered the following : — 

Resolved, That tlie proceediiios of the meetiiig- held in the Assembly 
Chamber on the evening of the 22d of February — the anniversai-y of 
the birth of Georcje Washingtox — be printed, and that the gentlemen 
who delivered addresses on that occasion be requested to furnish copies 
thereof for publication, and that one thousand copies of said proceedings 
be printed for the use of the members of this House. 

WJjich wa.s adopted. 



WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY. 



ADDRESSES DELIVERED IN" THE ASSEMBLY CHAMBER, 
FEBRUARY 22 D, 1865. 



Pursnaiit to resolutions oflorcd in the House of Asseml)ly by the Hon. 
P. C. Brinck, of Camden, and Hon. R. J. Harrison, of Essex, inviting 
Hon. Charles C. Lathrop, of ]>urlini>-ton, and Hon. Leon Abbott, of 
Hudson, to deliver addresses on the evening of the 22d of February, in 
the Assembly Room, in commemoration of the birth-day of the " Father 
of his Country'' and of the recent victories of the Union armies, and 
inviting the Senators, Assemblymen, and Citizens of Ti-enton to bo' 
present; a large and very respectable audience assembled at the time 
and place. 

The meeting was called to order by the Mayor of the city of Trenton.- 

On motion of Hon. H. J. Irick, of Burlington, Hon. N. S. Abbott, of 
Gloucester, was called to the Chair. 

On motion of Hon. Mr. Iiick, Fuaxklin S. Mills was appointed 
Secretary. 

Hon. Mr. Taylor, of Monmouth, then presented the following letter 

from His Excellency, Governor Parker, which Avas read by the 

Secretary : — 

State of New Jeesey, ^ 

Executive DErAKTMEXT, > 

Teekton, February 22d, 1865. ) 

Hon. Joseph T. Croivell, Speaker of House of Assembly : — 

I)eae Sir : — I observe in the papers of this morning a resolution adopted 
yesterday by the House of Assembly, inviting me to preside at a meeting to 
be held at the State House this evening, to rejoice over the recent victories 
of our armies, and to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the Father of 
his Country. Before I was aware of the passage of the resolution, I had 
made an engagement which requires my absence from Trenton, and there- 
fore I am obliged to decline the invitation to preside. 

The distinguished officer under whom the recent important military sue- 



6 

cesses have been aeliieve:! ranks among- the foremost conimaniers the world 
has produced. His recent campaign, although comparatively bloodless, is 
pregnant with great resulrs, if properly improved by tlie government. 
While we rejoice over the victories achieved ])y our ])rave officers and men, 
let us hope that our rulers may be so guided, that these victories may be 
made the means of restoring peace and the Union of the States without 
further bloodshed. The vast power of the nation stands forth to-day con- 
fessed by all, and this is the favorable moment to extend the ulive branch. 
Let it be extended in a spirit of magnanimity. Whenever the insurgents 
ofi'er to lay down their arms and return to the Union, let all their rights 
under the Constitution be conceded. Let the spirit of compromise that 
animated the Father of his Country be infused among imr people in this 
hour of \'ictory, and may we come out of this conflict with the vital princi- 
ples of government, as established by Washington and his compeers, pre- 
served in their integrity. 

Let all the powers granted to the general government by the States be 
exercised to the fullest extent for the suppression of rebellion, the preserva- 
tion of the Union, and the promotion of the happiness and prosperity of the 
people ; but the right to local seli'-governmcnt and the regulation of domes- 
tic ati'airs should bo retained by the States if Ave would transmit to posterity 
the best form of government ever devised by the wisdom of man. On this 
day, when the people convene to commemorate the patriotism and virtues 
of the great and good Wasliingtou, they sliould renew their vows to main- 
tain the system of government which he, more than any other man, was 
instrumental in establishing. 

Present my thanks to the General Assembly for the honor conferred by 
their invitation. I regret that I cannot listen to the speeches of the 
eloquent geutlemeu selected to address you. 

Yerv Eespectfullv, iSc, 

JOEL PAEKEE. 



The Chairman tlicn inti'oduced Hon. Charles C. Lathrop, of Bur- 
lington, AVlio addressed the meeting as follows : 

Ladies axd (tExtlemex: — 

We meet to-night on a propitious oecasion. We come together on 
one of the stand-point days of the American Re])ub]ic. We enter 
to-day into a Banqueting House ; and the Imnner waving over us is, 
Love of Country, — the feast spread before us is, Patriotism. We come 
this day to a perennial fountain, where the lover of the institutions of 
his country can refresh himself; where, in the weariness of the toil of 
maintaining those institutions against the eflbrts of traitors in arms, and 
tlie strife of sustaining the national life as against cravens and croak- 
ers, as well as tlie sympathizers with the ^outh in our midst, may re- 
cuperate and oiitain new strength to renew the conflict with the enemies 
of the Government Ijestowed njion us by tlie patriot, the sage, the 
christian, Washixgtox, — tlie Father of his Country, America. 

Yes, the twenty-second of February will glow with increasing bright- 
iiess as the ages advance ; will become more and more honored by the 



tleScGndaiit-s of tlid ii'volutionai'v fatlR'i-?, as the iiistiditions thcystalvOtl 
their lives, their |)ruj)orty, and tlieir ^;acrod honor to establisii, shall 
developc their valilc, and become the more beloved because their sons 
and dau.n'hters in the present day were called upon to maintain and 
defend them a,<i-!tiiipt the parricidal hflnd of their oWh countrymen — 
aye, ofteh their own kindred blood. Especially, as they realize (as is 
beginning' now more clearly to be done,) that these institutions are 
|:)roiinant witli liberty to all the race, that they mean in deed and in 
1'nct^ as Well as In thlH^i-Vj tliat all men were created to be IVce aiid 
iMjual in jiolitical privileg'cs, and word endowed with the inailenabic 
ri,u'lits of liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Tlic day,- the natal djiy< 
of -Washington will lie held in sacred remembrancd as the favored 
one that brouo-ht forth a man endowc<l by the Almig'lity With 
virtues, with graces, with wisdom iind }»atriotism to Accomplish 
the work of laying the foundation of a nation which W.ls to excnn 
plify and give scope to the elevating, tlie liberatiligj lioly princi^ 
])les*brought down to man through the Son of (Jod. Never in the })ast 
has this day dawned witli toketis of the brightness atid the gloi-y, with 
the gleams of liberty and progress as a nation, that ushered in this 
one. Thougli the darkness and clouds of war still linger on this morn, 
tlie ])iercing rays of the sunlight of deliverance and pros])erity In-eak 
through. 

It would bo the heighth of folly and pi'csumption in me to 
attempt an eulogium on Washington, or to detain you to-night in re^ 
hearsing what is familliar to every school boy, alld impressed on the 
mind of every school girl in the land. But we can improve the present 
occasion to draw useful lessons and derive strength and encouragement 
from his life and teachings. Let us, then, glance at some of the char- 
actei-istics of AVashington, and contemplate them. 

First. As a Truthful Person. We ai-e all familliar with the story of 
his childhold. When with his new liatchet he attacked a favorite 
fruit tree of his father's, and was inquired of as to the author of the 
mischief, he candidly confessed himself as the culprit, showing even in 
this trifling incident that the child was father to the man. Ir^o in all his 
after life, his word was never doubted. In the most trying hour of the 
history of his countr}*, he was always the same reliable, candid, truthful 
man, legislator, general, and president. This was a power Avith him in 
business transactions, in the halls of legislation, in the field as com- 
mander, in the chair of State, his asservations, his promises, carried 
a weight with them that mightier intellects and more eloquent tongues 
used in vain. Of all the vices, lying is the meanest, the most under- 
niining to character (as far as respect is concerned,) of them all. We 
can have some respect for the highway robber, the thief, and the as^ 
sassin, as their acts imply boldness and courage; but for the liar, wc 
have only contempt, and feel like kicking him out of our path. Of all 
mean liars, the lying, unreliable, two-faced ])olitician is the meanest, 
and such men deserve to be made the conduit through which all the 
filth and the scum of the community (including the slops of the dram 
shop, bad Avhiskey, and lager beer,) should be poured — as they generally 



■ai'G ; for such men, to succod in o-aining' position, only to disgrace and 
often betray their constituency. A uian to be a politician, in the higlier 
and proper sense of the word is to l)e an educator of the people in the 
noble science of Grovernnient, and to conserve and protect the interests 
of the community in all that })ertains to their rights and their liberties. 
Such a man is to ])e honored and can be trusted. Xo money or place 
can bril)e his vote, or his support to any measure that lias for its ob- 
ject the overthrow of liberty, or that tram|)les on the rights of the 
poorest or the huml)lest of the community ; much less will he sanction 
or avail himself of frauds upon the sacred franchise of the American 
citizen. It was by the grossest and most infamous lying on the part of 
Jefferson Davis, Slidcll, Mason, Toomlis, and other Southern politicians 
that the Southern States were plunged into secession, the people of 
those States oveiwholuied with ruin, and our land stained with the 
blood of our fathers, In-olhers and sons, and it is by the most wicked, 
the most perverse, and the most inexcusable of all lying that they Jiave 
perpetuated the strife, and that some of our politicians have l.)een keep- 
ing up divisions at home, paralyzing, as far as they can do, the arm of 
the government in its efforts to put down treason and preserve the na- 
tional life. Washiugtun belonged to a different class than this. He 
was a true American politician; truthful, honest, reliable in politics as 
well as in business. The false and infamous maxim that " all is fair in 
politics," was spurned 1)V him. No M'onder that honest and truth-loving 
men have come to eschew ])olitics, and that it has become almost a dis- 
grace to be known as a })olitician — a name which, next to a Christian, 
should be the highest boast of an American citizen. It is by the throw- 
ing off of this resp()nsil)ility by the better ]iortion of the comnnniity 
that political affairs liave come to be controlled by the less responsible 
and interested ]>ortion of the people — hence the disgrace, and also the 
cause of all our ])olitical woes. If every citizen had exercised the duty 
devolved upon him by our form of government, we would have had no 
rebellion. ^Vhen Denades the orator addressed himself to the Athe- 
nians and said " I call all the Gods and Goddesses to witness the truth 
of what I shall say," the Athenians, often abused by his impudent lies, 
])resently intcrrnptcd him l)y exclaiming " And we call the Gods and 
Goddesses to witness that we will not believe you." So might the 
people reply to the assertions of many of our politicians just before 
elections. 

Second, Jls obedient and reverential to parential authority and to 
old age. — Left at the age of eleven years without a father, to the care 
of a mother with live small children, of which he was the eldest, Wash- 
ington ever was a dutiful child, an obedient youth and loving son of 
the immortal Mary — who has come to live in history, through the obedi- 
ence and virtues of her son, as the " Mother of WashingtonJ^ She 
was rewarded for all her care and struggles in the discharge of her 
duties as a widow and a mother by living to see her honored son the 
head of a nation, and reaping the harvest for which every true mother 
sti-uo-gles — of ji\ing and acting on the fields of the world through and 
in her soi;s. As a child and a vouth AYashington was noted for his 



inqnisitivcness, diliiroiieo, lovo of Tiianly sports, which devolopod his 
physical powers, ami lor militaiy toiiclcm-ics — l)olofi! lie was tliii-teeii 
years of age foriiiinu; his school coiHi)aiiioiis into companies, of which he 
was always the acknowledged head. His conduct even at that early 
age was characterized Ijy dignity, decorum, consistency, condescension 
and mildness, which it would he well for the hoys and young men of 
our day to copy. The present age is lamentably deficient in })arental 
res])ect and ol)edience to the restraints of home, and most sadly lacking 
in reverence for ago and authority. Young America " Can't see the 
])oint," and " Don't l)elieve iji being tied to tiieir mother's apron 
strings," but strut and swagger with the stump of a cigar or a foul pipe 
in their mouths about the street corners, the country store or the village 
tavern ; and too often imbibing tlie ])oisonous draught, or the polluting 
talk of the frequenters of such ])laces, thus breaking away from and 
desj)ising all the teachings of that holiest of sanctuaries — Home. After 
acciuii'ing the best education that the cojnmon school afforded, which 
was the only o])poi-tunity he had in his boyhood, in wliich he made such 
proliciency in writing (and so exact and neat that his manuscript sciiool 
])ooks are ])reserved from the age of thirteen) and in mathematics, in 
constructing forms for writing poetry, and forming I'ules of behaviour, 
which gave a cast to his whole life. At the age of fourteen he Avas 
connuissioned a midshi])man in the British service, and was earnestly 
desirous of gi-atitying his and)ition in this sphere. But in obedience to 
the wishes of his mother he deferred the comjnencement of his military 
career, and thus under I'ro^•idencc, in obeying his mother, instead of 
]»ecoming an officer in the Bi'itish Navy, and perliaps lost to America, 
he subseijuently became the leader of his countrymen against that 
power, and the Father of his Country. 

Show me a young man dutiful and loving to his pai-ents, reverential 
to their commands and wishes, diligent in the discharge of his home 
duties, and 1 will point you to the future Statesman, Pati-iot nnd Chris- 
tian. Anotlier lesson leai-ned fi-om tin's youthful exam])le of Washington 
is that all young men are to be courteous, ])olite, gentlemaidy. There 
is an absurd idea jircvailing too much among boys, and even young men, 
that it is an indication of meanness and unmanliness to conduct them- 
selves with gentleness and affability, and deference to age. Every 
American is a sovereign, and as such should ever be controlled by 
dignity and ])olit('ness, which are the o])])osite to pride and haughtiness. 
It is said of Washington that when President, he passed a poor negro 
man in the street and ]»olitely I'aisod his hat and bowed in response to 
to the obesiance of the negro, when one of his attendants said, " What! 
do you bow to a negro?" " Would you have me outdone by a negro 
in politeness?" replied Washington. The true American always recog- 
nizes an object worthy of respect in every honest man, however humble. 

Third, As Industrious and DilifferM. — In his early life Washington 
was left the estate on which his father, iVugustine Washington, resided 
at the time of his death, situatecl in Stafford county, on the east side of 
the Rappahannock, opposite Fredericksburg, Va. — the ver}' ground 
almost, where our soldiers in the present war have been encamped as 
* 2 



10 

the headquarters of t]ie army of tlie Potomac for so great a portion of 
the time. What a coiiicidcneo that the childhood home of Washington 
shonM tlius be oc« iijued ! 

Tlioiigh h'ft an independence, \Vn:-]iington di<l not avail himself of it t() 
idle and dissij)ate away Ids time. And instead of going to Europe to 
obtain an education which gentlemen's sons in Colonial days were in 
the habit of doing — ol'tcH, but to )-eturn Avith haughty mien and super-< 
cillious manners — he obtained his education u])on American soil, as has 
t»een seen, in the common schools tlie country aflbrded, and in studiou!^ 
reading of works of art and literature, under the chastening influences 
of home, and a Uf^ble mother's guidance. His last two years at school 
he devoted mainly to those studies that (pmlifiic*! him for a surveyor, 
which, as the country then was aimost a wildei-ness, afibrded the best 
(ield for usefulness and ])rofit. in Ids sixteenth year he spent the winter 
with his brother on his estate of I\iount Vei-non (named after Adnnral 
Yernon, with whom his brother had sailed in the J>ritish service,) in 
surveying the extensive lands of J^ord Fairfax, and ])ursuing Ids studies. 
His self-reliance and eneriry of ( hai-actei- at that age is shown by his 
having on one occasion s"t o/f on a]i ardous and dangerous ex])e(Iiti(in 
of sui'veying the wild hinds of the AlleglcTiiy ^lountains, accom})anied 
only ])y a son of Lord I'liirl'iix, ;nid ^u(■coss^ul]y a'_'c(;m])lished his enter: 
piize after enduring gi-eat juivations and fatigues. This so established 
Jus reputation that he i-eceived a commission as Public Surveyor, and 
followed that business faithfully foi- three years, until he Avas, at the 
age of nineteen, ap])ointed one of tlie Adjutant Generals of Virginia, 
with the rank of Major. The death of his l>rotlier soon after devolved 
upon him the management of lai-ge estates, and gave him a ccmtingent 
interest in Mount A'ernon, to wliic h. after his brilliant military career 
in the service of A'ii'ginia. and hi? marriage, he retired, and devoted 
himself to agricultural jiui'stiits. for which he had great fondness, and 
which he conducted with such judgment, steadiness and industry as 
greatly to enlarge and iniproye his estate. In all his sul)sequent career, 
he always referred with gi-eat ])ieasure to the sidiject of agriculture — 
the noblest pursuit in whiedi man can engage, and which it were well 
that more of our yoirag men would give attentioii to, instead of m.^^hing 
to cities, Avith oft(Mi no higher andvltion tlian to lueasui'e tane, jumj) t'le 
counier. play tlie toaly. and, as is too often the case, {)ecome the fre- 
quenters of tlio play-house and the gami)liug hell, oi- loungers al)out 
the pui'licus of vice, until they graduate genteel exiiuisites, hnished 
snolis, or eifeminate coxccunbs, Avitliout character or manliood. 

industry enobles^idleness vitiates. Connuunion Avitli nature — bring- 
ing forth the fruits and flowers of tlie eai-th purities and softens the 
heart, eidarges benevolent instincts, and makes the honest man " the 
noblest work of ( iod." Every young man, like Washington, and young 
Avoman too, should cultivate industrious habits, and make labor honor- 
nhle and the rule instead of the exception in the commuinty. This is 
what has made the difference ])etween tlie Xorth and the South. In one 
section laltor, virtu(\ intelligence, liberty, abounds. In the other, idle- 
ness, viscious habits, ignorance, slavery, has existed. In one, as a con- 



11 

sequence, loyalty, hne of i-ountry, ])iv\:uis. In the utlier, 'reason, lUid 
bitter hatreds. In one Law rules — iii the other, l*assion. 'i'he causo 
of all this (lilfercnee is that in one section labor, and as its handmaid, 
Gconomy, is honoraldc — in tlie otiier it is de.u'radinii', aii'l as its adjunct, 
Vvaste and ])rofli,u'acy. In tlu- lanu'irire of another : ••All the li'reat 
ininds Avho have left their marks n]»(Mi t!ie history of the v.oi-id's pro- 
g'ress, have ])aid for their success and mjtei^iety by the pi'ice of mire- 
mittinii' toil and labor* Napoleon IJonajtarte worked hard and inces- 
santly, and has been knouii to exhaust the energies of scVoral secre- 
taries at one time. Charles XIl of Sweden frequently tired out all his 
officei-s. The Duke of \Vellin,u't(m was the hardest wm-kinir man in the; 
i'eninsula; his energies never Hagg^e;!. ?;Iiltou, from his youth, a])plied 
himself with such indefatigable application to the study of lettei's tluit 
it occasioned weakness of sight and ultimate blinthiess. The Uibor of 
Hir Walter Scott is evident in the iuind)er of lii^ literary ju'oductions, 
and it is a])])ai'ent to every j-eader that the immense masses of genei'al 
information which abound throughout his inultituilinous works can only 
have ])ecn acquired l)y dint of many years' hard study. J)yi"on Avas in 
the habit of reading even at his meais. Luther made it a rule to trans- 
late a verse of the bible evei'y day. This soon brought him to the com- 
pletion of his lal)ors, and it was a matter of astfmishment to Euro])e, 
that in the multijtlicity of his other labors, besides traveling, he could 
find the time to ])rei)are such a surprising work. Newton and Locke 
pursued their studies with tireless ellbrts, and Pojie sought retirement 
so that he might ]uirsue his literary oj)ei^ations wirliout interi-uption and 
disti'action. Industry is essential to all ; l)y forming habits of doing 
something useful every day, a man increases his own amount of haj)j)i- 
ness and enlarges that of others al)0ut him. Many a one by a judicious 
use of the odd moments, those little vacancies in every day life which 
occur to all, have reiulered themselves famous among their fellows. — 
Nature is preserved in its ])roper working condition ])y constant exer- 
tion, and num, to keej) in a healthful condition of mind and body, must 
exert his mental and })hysical faculties: the c(jnstant enqdoyment of the 
first will give the strength of character, so that it is cajiable of thinking 
on any subject at any time, and by active l)odily exertion he preserves 
his health, fortune, and wo)-ldly })osition. The Marquis of S])inola oiiee 
asked Sir itoi-ace Yere •• of what his brother died." " He died, sir," 
re])lied Sir Hoi-ace, '• ol' having nothing to do." '' Alas, sir," said 
Sjiinola. •• that irf en(mgii to kill any general of us all." And Roche- 
foucauld says : "It is derciving one's self to believe that it is only 
violent jjassions like those of love and ambition, which are able to 
triunq)h over others. Slothfulness, as languishhig as it is, permits none 
to be its mistress : it usurps all the designs aud all the actions of lifc; 
it destroys and consumes insensibly the ])assions and th(3 virtues." 

Fourtli, Jis a Domestic man., or lover of his Home and his Family.— 
We have seen how Washington loved and revered his mothei'. His 
tenderness toward lun- and the res])ect paid her, even after he became 
the great man of the nation, Avas so marked as to be almost child-like. 
In early life, too, hc5 shoAvcd great susceptibility toward the other sex. 



12 

Just after Washington hatt arrived of ago, Ijeing commissioned as the 
commander-in-chief of the forces of \"ir,i>inia, lie had occasion to visit 
Boston, on Inisiness with General Shirk'}', tlie British commander-in 
chief in Ameri'-n. While in New Yoi-k he Avas entertained at the house 
of Beverly Robinson, where he met with a sister of Mrs. Rohinson, 
Miss Mai'Y Phillips, a young- lady oi' i-ai-e accom])lishments, whose 
charms made a deep impression on the heai't of the Virginia Colonel. 
He resolved to pay her his addresses, imparting the secret of his feelings 
to an intimate friend, who kept him informed of the state of affairs. — 
He was notified that a rival had a])])eared in the held, in the person of 
a Captain Morris, a former associate of his in Irraddock's cam]>aign, 
and advised to renew his visits. But she married Ca])t. Morris, and 
thus, instead of Ijccoming iViC wife of a Washington, and united in name 
and ijnmortality with the founder of a nation, she has passed away as 
but the, wife of a British officer. How strange are the secret inffuences 
that shape our destiny? This first known love of Washington, did not 
seem to have a very fatal effect on his affections — as, within two years 
after, while on an expedition which demanded des])atch,he stopped with 
his servant at a certain house for refreshments, leaving his horse with 
his servant, charging him to retain his post as he would soon return. — 
But the hours came and passed and n(.) note was taken of time, until far 
into the night, before the young officer emerged from tlie house into 
which he had entered to tarry btit for a few moments. He found there, 
and became charmed by a young and beautil'ul widow — Mrs. Martha 
Custis, and within a year he married her, and received with her (what 
would ])ro1)a1)ly make most any young widow look Ijeautiful) more than 
a hundred thousand dollars. With such an accession to his sources of 
hapi»iness, he I'ctired from military life, to the delightful retreat of 
Mount Vernon, three months after his marriage, and gave himself uj) to 
domestic pursuits. This union was in every respect fflicitous, and con- 
tinued forty years — showing that first love is not always the only Ifap- 
py oJie. C)n his a])pointment as commander-in-chief of the forces of the 
Colonies by the C/ontinental Congress, of which he 1\^as a member, then 
sitting in Philadelphia, he wrote his wife as follows: — 

" Mt Deakest : I am now set down to write to joii on a subject which 
fills me with inexpressible concern, and this concern is greatly aggravated 
and increased, when I reflect upon the uneasiness I know it will give you. 
It has been determined in Congress that the whole army raised for the 
defence of the American cause, shall be put under my care, and that it is 
necessary for me to proceed immediately to Boston to take upon, me the 
command of it. 

" You may believe me, when I assure you in the most solemn manner 
that, so far from seeking this apjiointment, I have used every endeavor in 
my power to avoid it, not only from my iniwilliugness to part with you and 
the family, but from the consciousness of its being a trust too great for my 
capacity, and that I should enjoy more real happiness in one month with 
you at home, than I have the most distant prospect of finding abroad, if 
my stay Avere to be seven times seven years. But it has been a kind of 
destiny that has thrown me upon this service. I shall hope that my imder- 
taking is designed to answer some good purpose. You might, and I 



13 

suppose did psrceive, from the tc-iioi" of my letters, that I wan apprehensive 
I could not avoid tliis appointment, witliout exposing my character to such 
censures as would have reflected dishonor upon myself, and given pain to 
my friends. Tliis I am sure could not and ouglit not to be pleasing to you, 
and must have lessened me considerably in my own esteem. I shall rely, 
therefore, conlidently on that Providence which has heretofore preserved 
and been bountiful to me." 

;Mrs. Wasliiuu'ton made it a rule always to spend tlie winters in ca'nip 
with her husband durino- his campait>-n of the devolution, and shed a 
cheerful and relinin^- influence over the life of her husband and his 
military family. 8ucli are the revelations of the afi«ctionatc fcelirigs, 
and tender emotions as a husband, of our model man< 

Every ,yonn,i>' nuin,as soon as circumstances will justify him, should se- 
cure the su])})oi't, refining' and elevatiiiu' influences, the (juicker and clearer 
perce])tions as counsellor, of woman, !ty making the object of his aflections 
his wife. And every young woman should by her virtues, cultivation of 
economical habits, and acquirement of such a domestic and intellectnal 
education and a])plication to household duties, as Avill fit and adapt her 
to make a good wife, and I'cnder her home the holiest and ha])piest 
place on earth to her husband. Extravagance, fashionalde dis])lay, a 
superficial education, dcs])ising domestic duties and laboi-s, have wrecked 
many a man, deterod liundrcds IVom marrying, left desolate mriny a 
lieart, and in singleness thousands of females, Avho by cultivating the 
habits designed by Providence to render -woman a liclp-meet, as tvell as 
secure her liappiness, would have adorned lier life, blessed the heart 
and rescued the life of some young man from dissipation and vice. — 
The systems of female education of the ])resent day are mainly illy 
adapted to this. I'liey arc thoi-oughly at war with nature and truth — 
and the wonder is that those edhcated at fashionable boarding schools 
escape as well as some do the coJitnniinating influences of such teaching. 
True education does not consist \Vholly in intellectual advancement. — 
The lieart needs a gtiide and directing ])ower as well as the head, and 
the great defect in the system alluded to is that the former is for the 
most ])ai-t wholly neglected, the fashionable graces of life are cultivated 
with the utmost cai'C, whilst the heart lies fallow, so that weeds rank 
and foul possess it merely. " (iod helji the fireside which is presided 
over by one of these forced growths of a fashionable education, for the 
liousehold deities wliich surround the hearth of the g<)od man Avith joy, 
fly at her approach and will have no communion witli hei'. The young 
woman who spends the morning of lior Hie in trifling lollies, will have 
a weary noon and a night of self-r(-j)roacli and merited contempt. The 
young man in search of domestic happiness will beWare how he trusts 
ids hopes to one of these things of muslin, whaleb(nie and rouge. She 
is in seai-ch of an estaldishment, not of a heart J' To the young Ladies 
1 would give the advice of Themi?to(des, in rejdy to an Athenian who 
was hesitating whether to give In's daughter in marriage to a man of 
worth with a small fortune, or to a rich man, wlio had no other recom- 
mendation : " r Would bestow my daughter," said Themistocles, " upon 
a man without money, rather than ujion money without a man.'' 



14 

The love of liomo, of AVJIb and childrrii, in the l)cst j)roi!i()tcr of lovoof 
coiinti'v, rind sucIj as feel t!ii8 are, as was Washinjiton, generally fouiul 
the most, tiiie to tlieir o-ovemnieiit and flap", and the niost rcad_y to fly 
to their defeuee. It is to tlie truc-liearted, nolde mothers, wives and 
sisters of oiir land that we are mainly indebted for the loyalty, the 
patriotism, Unci the heroic valor of our fathers, brothers and sons, on 
the many stained battle-fields of the ]Jc]atblic, in this war with traitoi-s 
to tlieir flag' and country. 

Fifth, Jls a Legislator and Statesman. — At the age of 27, Wash- 
ington was elc-cted to the Plouse of Burgesses, oi- Legislature of Virginia, 
and he served in that capacity constantly for fifteen }-ears — to the 
beginning of the Revolution — being returned l)y a majority of votes at 
each election, first from the county of Frederick and afterwards from 
the county of P'iiirfax. There were commonly tvro sessions, and some- 
times three, in a year. He gavd his attendance regtdarly and punctil- 
ally from the beginning to the end of almost e'ver)' session. His inllu- 
ence was remarkable in public bodies, caused l)y the soundness of his 
Judgment, (juickiiess of ])orception, and his directness and sniceritvy 
rather than l»y elociuence or art. He seldom spoke, never harrangucd, 
and it is not kno^vn that he ever made a set speech. His practice may 
be infei-red by fliG following counsel given by him in a letter to a 
nephew, avIio had lieon chosen to a seat in the assembly. He says : — 
*' The only advice 1 will offer, if you have a mind to command the 
attention of the hoiise, is to speak seldom, but on important subjects, 
except such as jiroperly relate to your constituency, and in the Ibriuer 
case make yourself perfectly master of the su])ject. Never exceed a 
decent warmth and submit your sentiments with difhdence. A dicta- 
torial style, though it maj' carry conviction, is ahvays accompanied 
with disgust." Though he did not expend his efforts in speeches, he 
Avas ahvays attentive and ready to act Avith decision and firumess. He 
took decided gi-ound in f)ppositi()n to all the acts of (li-eat ]>ritain 
oppi-essing the Colonies, and sustained resolutions of sympathy and 
co-operation Avith the northern Colonies in their acts of resistance, and 
thus took the first steps toward Union. When the news Avas I'oceiA'ed 
by the Virginia Asseml)ly, of tlie act of the British l^arliament, shut- 
ting up tlie ]-*(U't of Boston, it jr.isse 1 an ordei' setting a}>ar! a day of 
fasting and prayer for the Colonies, and Avhen Loi'd I)nnniore, ))ecause 
of its course, dissolved the Assembly, Washington, Avith others assem- 
bled and formed an Association for promotion of Union, and advised 
Committees of Correspondence Avith tlie other Colonies, He Avith 
twenty-four other delegates, issued a circrilar letter to the people of 
A^irginia, calling Conventions for more full and deliberate discussions, 
Avliich Avere held in several counties. In Fairfax county, Washington 
]»resided as Chairman, and the resolutions then passed presented a 
luminous vicAv of the ])oiiits at issue Avitli Great Britain and shoAv the 
opinions of Washington at this critical juncture of American affaii-s. 
NVasliingfon used no doul)tful or double meaning phrases, Avliich Avere 
pusce])table of ])eiiig construed in favor of either side. He Avas no 
Union man and toi-v at the same time', nor Avas he CA'cr claimed hi 



15 

botli si.lcR. Ill a letter ulujiit this time, he says: — " Tlic crisis liaa 
arrived when we must ;issert our ri,<i;hts or suhiiiit to every imposition 
that can i»e heajied upon us. till custom and use shall make us ahjeet 
slaves." Washinsiton was apjiointed a t'eh'uale to the first Continental 
(-onjfress. and J'ati'ick lleiirv (who was also one of the J)ele^'ates) on 
returnin,<)- home and lieinu,- asked whom he thou,<i:ht the <i-reatest man in 
('on,<>:ress, re])lied : — '• If yoii s))eak of el()(iuence, ^Ir. Kutledue, of South 
Carolina, i,s l)y far the Ji'ieatest oi'atoi-. 1 ut if ytu sjieak (/f solid infor- 
mation and sound judunieiit, Colonel Wasldnytou is un(|uestional)ly tho 
jz:reatcst man on the floor." As a mendier of the second \'iri!;inia Con- 
vention, held aftei' the adjounmiejit of the Continental Congress, he 
reported a plan of defeiife — was a!s(^ on a committee to devise a plan 
to encoura,2:e domestic arts and manufacturers, and liimself used Inunc^ 
manufactures in preference to any otheis. Auain a member of the 
second Continenta 1 Con_<>'ress, his influence was universally acknowled<!;ed 
and he acted at5 chairman of the most im])ortant committees. 

After the war, he was a member of and presided over the National 
Convention which adopted tlie Constitution of the United States. When 
aliout sin-niufi,- tliat document, he arose and jsaused a wliilo, befoi'C doinuj 
so, as if in av\'e and I'cvorencc, and with ]iro])hetic eye lookinti" into 
futui'ity said : — " When this is disrejiarded the next one will lie di'awn 
in blood." ])() wc not, by the breakinj;' of the sacred oI)ligations of the 
Constitution by the South and the amendments made to it ])y the act 
of Congress lieinir ratiiied by the States, in order to rid us of the cause 
of the shedding of so much blood in this war, witness at this hour a ful- 
fillment of this prophe<'y ? 

To be a Legislator, is to occu]»y a high and honorable position^ but 
alas, how has it become degraded at the ])res(Mit day by the character 
and the conduct of the men often elected to fill the halls of our Legis- 
latures, and of Congress — the fault of the people in not interposing their 
power at tlie primary meetings for nomination of candidates. To a man 
who will with diligence, decision and integi-ity, discharge the onerous 
and important duties devolved upon a I^egislatoi-. there is due a Ingh 
iiieed of j)raise. Lnt for him who secures such an exalted ])ost liy 
trickery, cunning or fraud, or who uses it to furthei- niei'ciy the ends of 
]»arty or of self, or to aid ami comfort the enemies of his government, 
or who is tui'ned asid(? iVoni the maintaiiK-nce c-f the welfare and ]>ros- 
perity of tlie people, by l)j-i!jes or ap]iliances, or Avho brings disrej)ute 
ujion the station he occuj)ies, by intem])era.nce. immoralities and pro- 
fanity — no censuies of the public or of the ])ress should lie s])ared to 
dri\e such a person not only into retirement, but jiublic disgrace, where 
he will forever remain, " unwe]>t, unhonored and unsung." The Legis- 
lator who makes laws under the Spiritual intluence of the dram shops, 
and the power of ])artizan feeling, degi-ades the name of an American 
Statesman, and is unworthy to be delegated with power by a freo 
people. 

Sixth, As a Great Soldier and General. — Li this day of numerous 
(icnerals and aspirants for military fame, how bright and glorious does 
the military genius and acts of Washington soar above them all. Like 



16 

n, Napoleon, ho inanifestcd hi;^ militarv tondeiicy in liirf boyhood, and 
like him, commanded forces at a very early a2;G in life, and also, like 
him believed in his " star" or destiny. His expedition thi-ouorh the 
wilderness to the Ohio lliver, by command of Lt. Oov. Diinvi(h]ie, at 
the a,i>"e of twenty-one, was nndei'tnken the very day on ivhich he was 
commissioned. And for sixty days ho was ex])osed to hardships, fatigue 
and danger from the iiostile Indians, instigated l)y the French, who 
claimed to hold jjossession of tlie country from Canada to Louisiana 
north and west of tlie Ohio and ]\Iississippi Rivers. His campaigns as 
commander of tlio A^irginia forces against tlie French and Indians the 
8ul)se(pient year. His conduct in the Braddock Expedition, aiul that 
against Fort Dusasna. exhil)itcd liis wisdom, foresight, alarcity and 
])ravery, and established forever his abilities as a couimandei-, which 
led to his appointment as Counnandei'-in-Chief of the ('ontinental Army, 
(as we have seen), by the Continental Congress. This was done on the 
recommendation of tlio New Englaml Delegation— headed by John 
Adams, — that section of the country, being then, as now, among the 
foremost in the ranks for the pronation of the nation. Tlie appoint- 
ment was made on the lotli of June, 1775. He was commissioned four 
days after, and in tioo days, was on his way from Fhiladeli)hia, to join 
the Continental Army at Canii)ridge, near Boston. From wliich time 
to the close of the long war of the Revolution — through all its toils, 
privations, gloom and trials, he was the same reliable, earnest, able, 
active Oeneral ; ever moving with the same alarcity. It was by his 
promptness, and the l»oldness of his movements as Commandei" of the 
Continental Army, as well as his skill and tactics tliat caused tlie tri- 
nmph of our cause in the Revolution. His fight with Howe, and cross- 
ing Fast River — his cam})aign in New Jei-sey — his crossing the Dela- 
ware amidst floating ice, the battle of Trenton in winter, his i-ecrossing 
the river the same day with his prisoners of war — liis outflanking the 
enemy and nuirch npon Noav Brunswick — the battle of Frinceton — 
illustrate his alarcity and consunnuate skill as a connnander, and which 
is but a sample of his Avhole career as a Ceneral. 

Seventh, As a Patriot. — At tlie present period of our history, Wash- 
ington's exani])le and teacliings n])peal to us Avitli I'cmarkablo foi'ce. 

God seems to have raised up certain men througliout the history of 
the woi'ld, whose acts and teachings made them as lights to all coming 
generations, as so many finger boards on the path of time, pointing the 
way to truth, to honor, tu virtue, to piety aiid patriotism. Moses, 
Abraham, David, Faul, Lutlier. Cromwell, Washington, men of this 
class, with many others of ancient and modern times. Even in our own 
day, Jackson, Clay and Welister, ])artake of this character. ]\Ien that 
seemed to be inspired to utter words, to do deeds, that mould the des- 
tiny of ages, and become the talismen to millions, the lights flaming 
across the horizon of time to direct all who come after them in duty. 
In this aspect, Washington rises in imposing, in sublime grandeur as a 
beacon to cheer, to warm, to enlighten, to energize every lover of his 
country — to Americans to stand by their own, " their native land," in 
every trial, in all hours of darkness, and especially when wrestling with 



17 

t'.ie Demon, Treasuu. ll'auy luuu is iu douljt as to Y*hat he is to do, ho 
has but to see what Washing-ton did. He always stood by his country 
in every position he was placed — as private citizen, as IJe,2:i?lator, as 
Commander of armies, and as ChieC-Mairistrate. He was ag-ainHt ov(?ry- 
thing and all persons — whether lbi-ei,trn foes, or fai- worse, domestic 
ones, who opposed the (lovernment of his comitry. He acted boldly, 
with no honied words for those who, while enjoying the l)lessin,2fs of tho 
country were in sympathy with her foes — he neither called them " my 
f/ear friends," nor " our erring brethern." 1 have not time here to 
quote his words or cite his acts — they are recorded in liistory — and 
read and cherished by every child born to the royal heritage of an 
American — ^unless he has his heart hardened and his mind ])ervcrted by 
parents M'ho are incapable of a]ipi-eciatiiig that heritage. 

When Washington entered New York to meet a foreign foe — Gon'l. 
Howe and his army — he found that city, as it is now, full of traitors, 
and it was by his instmmentality that they were arrested by scores and 
put out of the way of poisoning the pul)lic feeling. The ancestors of 
the sympathizers with traitors tiien, as now, cried (mt in similar strains 
as does ilk now, — " Constitution," " Habeas Corjms," " Tyranny," 
" Right of i-^peech:" but Washington looked upon all traitors to theii- 
country alike ; whether found in arms against it, or more cowardly and 
culpable — consi)iring against its government at home — and treated the 
one to open andhonorable warfare, and the other to prison and shame. 
He believed with the eccentric and celebrated Irishman, .Sir Bo}'l(} 
Roche, when he said with characteristic Irishism, " Sir, I would give 
up half — nay the whole of the Constitution t-o preserve the remainder." 

Jf there was one sentiment that animated Washington more than any 
other politically, it was the ■permanent Union oi" these United States. 
It was for this he labored as a Man — that he strove for as a Statesman, 
that he fought for as a Warrior, and that he prayed for as a Christian. 
And oh, how solemnly impressive, how sublimely eloquent, ring liack 
his words as coming up from the grave, as echoing from enternity, in 
this day of our nati(mal struggle. " The unity of government Avhich 
constitutes you one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for 
it is a main ])illar in the edifice of your real independence, the sup])ort 
of your tran(juility at home, your ]>eace alu'oad, of your safety, of youi- 
prosperity, of that very liberty which you so highly prize." " It is of 
infinite moment that you should pro]:)erly estimate the immense value of 
your national Union to your collective and individual happiness, that 
you should chei-ish a cordial, habitual and immovable attachment to it, 
accustoming yourselves to think and siieak of it as a palladium of your 
political rtil'ety and ])rosperity. Watching for its preservation with 
jealous anxiety, discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspi- 
cion that it can in any event be abandoned, and indignantly frowning 
upon the first dawning of any attempt to alienate any portion of our 
country from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link 
together the various parts." " While then every part of our country 
thus feels an immediate and particular interest in Union, all the part"" 
combined cannot fail to find in the united mass of means and efforts 

3 



18 

greater strengtli, greater resources, proportionably greater security 
from external danger, a less freqtient interruption of their peace by 
foreign nations, and what is of inestimable value, they must derive' 
from Union an exemption from those broils and "\va?s between them- 
selves, Avhich so frecpiently afflict neigh) joringcounti'ies not tied together 
by the same government, which their OAvn rivalships alone would be 
sufficient to produce, but which opposite foreign alliances, attachments 
and intrigues would stimulate and embitter." 

No wonder that under these prophetic and inspiring teachings, men 
Avill do, dare and die, and lovely women will stimulate, strenghten, and 
give u}i her i-elatives, for their country — to perpetuate its Union, Nc^ 
wonder We love and honor the brave soldier, who suft'ers, fights and 
falls for it; God bless hhn, and reward him as his country cannot do. 
And no wonder we loathe and si»urn the cold, selfisli, plotting traitor, 
who lives in our midst, not only breathing sentiments of disunion, but 
aiding by sympathy, by words, and legislative action, the bolder' and 
braver traitor in arms for the dismemljerment of the Union, the over- 
tlirow of liberty, and the perpetuation of slavery. May God have 
mercy on the wretches, and give them a Ijetter mind, for they will find 
no mercy from an outraged, indignant public sentiment, wlien the blood 
of our Ijrotliors and sons slain in this Atar perpetuated by them, cries 
for vengeance from the ground. 

Eighth, Washington as a Christian. — It has Ijeen truly and beauti- 
fully said, " The goodness of Washington was his greatness, and his 
greatness consisted in his goodness." As in his political, so in his 
religious character, there was no ambiguity, no one could doul)t what 
were his sentiments on the most vitial of all questions. Though vali- 
ent in battle, ho trusted not to his OAvn arms; thougli prudent, he relied 
not on his own skill when perils gathered around him. He triistednot 
in the wisdom of Congress or the counsels of his advisers — in all he' 
rested in humble trust upon the Supreme Being and ever sought 
strength, wisdom and blessings from Him. When a Colonel of Virginia 
troojts he issued an order, expressing his displeasure at profaneness, and 
declaring that if his men did not leave it oft" they would be severely 
])Unislied. He was not ashamed to come to the Lord's table, and to own 
Christ before the world. While the army was encamped at Morristown, 
Ne^^ Jersey, though educated an E])iscopaiean, he exhibited his absence 
of bigotry by connnuning with the Presbyterian church there. While 
stationed at Valley Forge, Washington was frequently observed to 
visit a secluded grove. This excited the attention of a Mr. Potts, of 
the denomination of Friends, who watched his movements, and discov- 
ered him on his knees in prayer. Mr. Potts returned to his family, 
and Ijeing himself a Tory, said, " Our cause is lost — Washington is m 
prayer." Let us strive to be like Washington, in truthfulness, in filial 
obedience, industry, domestic habits, and as a Statesnmn, Warrior, 
Patriot, and Christian. 

Mr. Chairman — We have met to-night to celebrate the triumph and 
progress of the principles as traced of Washington. Four years since 
a new and unknown flas; was flaunted in the face of the nation. It 



19 

represented what claimed to be a Confederacy of States, who had 
rebelled against the Constitution formed ])y Washington and his associ- 
ates. It was raised lirst over tlie city of Charleston, South Carolina, 
whose citizens insolently and haughtily re]Hidiated the bjinner of the 
Union, and with contempt for its sacred character basely iircd upon it 
as it waved over Fort Suni])ter, and inaugurated one of the bloodiest 
civil wars the world has e\'er ex])oi'icnced. To-day we celebrate the 
restoration of that glorious flag — the emblem of Liberty — over that 
shattered and ragged Fortress, Avhosc dilapidated condition fitly repre- 
sents the position of the boasted Confederacy ; and the hour is near 
at hand when it too will fall, and the Union once more be restored — 
a, Free, a mighty Christian Eopublic, which will eventually cover the 
^vholc continent from the frozen North to the Isthmus of Daricn. 



SPEECH OF HON. LEON ABBETT. 



The Chairman then introduced Hon. Leon" Abbett, of Iludson. who 
addressed tlio meeting as follows : — 

Mr. Chairman : — 

I shall not attempt any analysis of the life and character of Washing- 
ton. The gentleman wlio hjis pj'oceded me, has most aljly and elo- 
quently reviewed thejn both. 1 shall allude briefly to a few prominent 
traits in his character. 

We meet this evening to do honor to his memory. To-day is tho 
anniversary of his birth, A nation celebrates it. The stillness of this 
peaceful city has l:)een broken by tho thunders of artillery — a military 
honor to the General whose genius and patriotism guided the infant 
energies of our people to success and independence. Throughout the 
land, the peo])le gather in masses to listen to the well knov\-n story of 
his deeds and virtues. A peaceful triliute to the statesman who assisted 
to frame our glorious Constitution. 

Trenton is classic ground. Here Washington in the darkest hour of 
our history executed one of those brilliant deeds which revived the 
drooping sjnrits of the nation. The battle ground is now covered with 
peaceful dwellings. No traces are leit of the struggle. Nothing to tell 
of the victory ; but we shall never forget it. We need no monument to 
mark the spot. The history of the Revolution is engravened on our 
hearts. Hs most l)rilliant rec<n'd we find in the history of our State. 

Washington was a man of iron will. He did not desert his country, 
men in the hour of peril. He fought for tliem, when failure involved 
death and ignominy. With all the conserpiences of treason before him, 
he never faltered in his holy duty. Brilies had no influence with him. 
T>anger no peril that could aj-pal. Through the long years of the revo- 
lution his name was the rallying cry of the nation. In despondency 
men looked to him for encouragement. In victory they hailed him as 
the saviour of his country. We call him the Father of his Country. No 
name can beteer express a nations' love and reverence. We are too 
apt in times of civil commotion to forget the sublime virtues embodied 
in human character and exemplified in human conduct. These annivor- 



21 

saries recall the labors of the Ibuuders of the Republic. Love ofcoiiu- 
try is kindled anew by the associations of the hour. It should ever be a 
[)h:>asure to contemplate the purest models of patriotism. "We associate 
with the name of Washington all tlm virtues of a ]»atriot. lli^j name 
will always rally tlie nation. 

Washington achieved our liberties b}- the sword. Ife ))roserved and 
secured them l;)y a written Constitution. Ho was Pi-osidcnt of the Con- 
vention that framed it. Its adoption was the bii'tji of a new nation. 
Under its benehcent provisions we have attained u ]»roud and envialdo 
position among the powers of the eartln We maintained this ])Osition 
until men disregarded its provisions and attempted to overthrow it by 
armed rebellion. Washington deemed the Tuion of the Htates, under 
tlie Constitution necessary to the preservation of the liberties of the 
people. I am impressed Avith the same convictions. The Union of the 
iStates is necessary to keep our people happy and prosperous. It is 
impossilde to look at the desolation that now fills this land, and com- 
pare it with our prosperity five years ago, without sorrow of the deepest 
kind. This Union can only be preserved by strict obedience to the 
Constitution. We must resj)ect its provisions in letter and spirit. The 
present civil war is the result of its infraction. 

In this hour of the nations' sorrow and travail, let us avoid the ex- 
jcesses of i)arty spirit. AVashington warns us against it. He speaks to 
us from his silent resting place. While we are endeavoring by arms to 
^compel obedience to the Constitution, let us not allow party spirit to 
infiuence us in any of our deliberations. Let us try to conquer rebel- 
lion — not to cultivate a feeling of hatred for those who have rebelled. 
Never since this rebellion commencetl have I entertained for the people 
of the South, a spirit of hatred. I have felt that they must be com- 
pelled to sulunit to the authority of the Union. I have at the same 
time, remembered the struggles of the Revolution and our subsequent 
wars with foregn powers. Their blood has been mingled with our own 
in those struggles. Our independence was achieved by common valor 
and under one flag. The honor of the nation has been maintained, ter- 
ritory added, and its power and influence extended by the brave men of 
both sections battling together in one common cause. CJod grant the 
hour may soon come, when the desperate valor of the Southern soldiers 
may lie turned from its assault upon our common government, and 
united with our own. be turned against a foreign foe. Sori'ow, not 
hatred, is the feeling in my mind, when I review the incidents of this 
cruel civil strife. If the peojdc oj'the Sou.th would 1h)w to the su])rem- 
acy of the laws. I would receive them willingly. I would not stop to 
exact conditions, except those found in that instrument AAhich Washing- 
ton helped to frame — the Constitution. 

I would never yield until the authority of the Union is acknowledged. 
With Washington, I regard this as the great and important point to se- 
cure the prosperity of om- people. When that hour comes, I am pre- 
pared for peace. We kno\v the great sacrifices nccessaiy to cai'ry on 
this war, and the long years of strugaie it has already required. I most 
*»amestly pray for a speedy return of that peace, which, five years ago 



•22 

It TKa^ our pride and honor to live under. I feel satisfied that the peo- 
ple of the North will not require more as a eondition of ])eace, than is 
rerj'isiiX3l l)y the Constitution. T\\o South should not be asked to accept 
any other. My heart-felt desire is, to see all the ])eople of this land 
livinir under that Constitution, and oheying the laws enacted under it. 
My desire — the desire of the nation is — jjeace and a restored Union. 
When we shall see this, all men will he satisfied. 

Let us 1)0 I'cady to make e^'ci'y sacrifice necessar}" to preserve our 
country. Remember tlie hours of trial and the years of sufferino; and 
jn-ivation that Washinn-ton endured. We cannot read the history of 
that time without a thrill of emotion. We have not been called on. in 
our present strife, to endure tlie hardships of the Kevolution. l>e ready 
to count all things u'ained. if we can luit save our country in this strug-- 
'gle, as Washin<)-ton left it. and as it g-rew up under the benehcent influ- 
■ences of the Constitution. IMiis is all the country wants. Tliis is all 
it demands of its rulers. 

1 hail every report of victcny. 1 feel that every trium])h ln-in,o's us 
nearer to that peace, which all so ardently desire. The passions of men 
and excess of ])arty S])irit may tend to ])rolong- the war, l)ut deep se;it(Kl 
in the heart of every hiver of his country, is nursed the hope of peace. 
[ watch with intense interest the mig-hty gathering of forces for liattle. 
The hour is aj)proaching when this continent will be shaken by the 
struggle of contending armies. The shock will lie terrilile — but I feel 
that the Cod of Battles will fight with us in that great day. He will 
listen to the prayers of his jseople and preserve this nation. 

I rest assured that when these mighty hosts shall meet, our brave 
army will shatter the ]>ower of the Confederacy. Victory will unite us 
all, once more, against our foreign foes. Brother shall no more war 
against brother. 

The time is approaching when we shall need all our energies and 
resources for foreign wars. The storm clouds are rolling up, black and 
threatening over the liosom of the Atlantic. Monarchical institutions 
are enci-oaching upon us from the South. We need Tniou. Our 
j^trength will v.in against a world in arms, if we are united. Do notliy 
any measure delay or retard the restoration of the Union. Cultivat(3 
kindly feelings towards the people of the South. It was the home and 
grave of our immortal Washington. Let our love for him cause us to 
think kindly of his kindred. We Avish hereafter, not '• a Union pinned 
together witli l»ayonets," luit a Union of tlie hearts of the people. Let 
us fight against armed reliellion in the South and against that excess of 
party spirit in the North, of Avhich Washington said, it Avould lead to 
our destruction. Let us sulidue both — then when this war ceases, it 
ceases forever, and this country Avill lie again happy and prosperous 
under one flag and one Constitution. 

Lion. Mr. Culver, of Hudson, moved a vote of thanks to the speakers 
which was unanimously carried. 

N. S. ABBOTT. Chairman. 
P^R.WKLix S. MiiJ.s, Secretary. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



012 028 375 3 g 



X 



LIBRARY OF CONGRE 




HoUinger 

pH8.5 

Mill Run F3-195i 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




Hollinger 

pH8.5 

Mill Run F3-1955 



